[Anchor]

Argentina, aiming for a second consecutive tournament title, has advanced to the semifinals after a grueling extra-time battle against Switzerland. With this result, a dream matchup has been set, as the top four teams in the FIFA rankings have all reached the semifinals for the first time in World Cup history.

Here is reporter Hong Seok-jun with the details.

[Reporter]

Argentina, which had never lost to Switzerland in the World Cup, took the initiative just 10 minutes into the match.

Lionel Messi delivered a sharp corner kick, and Alexis Mac Allister headed the ball into the net.

With this, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to record 10 assists, writing a new chapter in history by reaching double digits in both goals and assists.

Switzerland's counterattack was formidable. Threatening Argentina with solid defense and quick transitions, Switzerland leveled the score in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye, after exchanging passes on the left flank, fired a precise shot between the goalkeeper's legs.

However, Switzerland faced a major setback just five minutes later. Breel Embolo appeared to have been fouled by Argentina's Leandro Paredes, leading to a yellow card for Paredes. However, a video review confirmed there was no contact, and the yellow card was instead issued to Embolo. Having already received a yellow card earlier, Embolo was sent off and left the pitch in tears.

Switzerland held firm with 10 men to force the match into extra time, but Julian Alvarez emerged as Argentina's hero in the 112th minute.

His right-footed shot from outside the penalty box drew a beautiful arc and buried itself into the top corner of the net.

Following Alvarez's first goal of the tournament and a clinching goal by Lautaro Martinez just before the final whistle, Argentina won 3-1 and advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive tournament.

Although Messi's nine-game scoring streak came to an end, Argentina extended its record for the most consecutive World Cup matches with two or more goals to 12.

[Messi / Captain of the Argentina National Football Team: We are a team that always fights fiercely and gives our all to achieve the results we want. This will be my first time facing England, so the semifinal match will be special.]

With this, the top four teams in the FIFA rankings—No. 1 Argentina, No. 2 Spain, No. 3 France, and No. 4 England—have all reached the semifinals, marking a dream lineup for the first time in World Cup history.

France will face Spain this Wednesday, while England and Argentina will compete for a spot in the final on Thursday.

[Video Editing: Lee Seung-hee]